In 1996, the Nintendo 64 became home to Mario Kart 64, a sequel to the SNES smash Super Mario Kart. Mario Kart 64 is still considered one of the best games for the system, and is arguably the top kart racer to this day. For all the critical acclaim it has received, it deserves every bit of it. Now, the game has been re-released on the Nintendo Wii, introducing the classic title to new and old audiences alike.
Mario Kart 64 is the epitome of kart racing games. In Grand Prix mode, you square off in a race against eight other players. Along the way, you deal with multiple twists and turns and pesky obstacles that will try and hinder your progress. There are also item boxes that can give a decisive advantage, like the Mushrooms for a speed boost and the Koopa Shell intended to strike your opponent. In Battle Mode, you square off in a last-man-standing competition.
Players are awarded three balloons at the beginning of each match. The objective is to pop these balloons by making your opponent spin out, attacking him head on or striking him with an item. The last man to have at least one balloon remaining is the victor of the contest.
Mario Kart 64 remains relatively intact from its original release. Hardcore fans will appreciate the graphics and sounds have been untouched, from the opening screen that says “1996 Nintendo” to the “It’s-a-me, Mario!” voice track that accompanies it. The in-game action has been left alone, too: the graphics lack an upgrade and the music is the same as its 64-bit counterpart.
You won’t find any online upgrades here, but you’ll experience an array of kart racing fun. The fast and furious combination of speed and items remain intact for the Virtual Console version. Without any noticeable change in pace, the transition is smooth as can be. The GP and Battle modes are just as fun as they were back in the game’s heyday. Unfortunately, some gamers may be disappointed by the lack of the ghost data in time trials mode. This had to be cut due to the original game using external memory via the N64’s controller pack, and somehow the formula was lost in translation. Don’t let its absence deter you from buying this gem, though.
The port controls well enough, too. Essentially, you’ll be using three buttons: 'A' revs the accelerator and 'B' hits the brake. The N64's Z Trigger function (shooting items) has been moved to the X button and the left shoulder button on both the Gamecube and classic controllers. The Gamecube controller feels much more comfortable, as your thumb transitions naturally from the A to the X button, which rest vertically from each other. Considering how unique the N64’s scheme was, however, it may take a minor adjustment to familiarize yourself with the new control method.
The lasting appeal of this game is off the charts, especially if you have three or four Gamecube controllers lying somewhere around the house. Mario Kart 64 is incredibly deep and can keep you enthralled for hours. The learning curve is relatively easy, the game moves incredibly fast, and it fits perfectly with the Wii’s moniker of being the ultimate family system.
The 411
Mario Kart 64 makes a near-seamless transition from N64 history to a new generation for the Wii’s Virtual Console. The game’s presentation is still as fun as ever, but the ghost data being absent from the time trial modes does decrease its value ever so slightly. Still, this racer is just as crazy as it was 10 years ago and is highly recommended for solo fun and big gatherings alike. It is a great title to keep you occupied through any sustained drought of gaming releases.